Health Encyclopedia

Detached Retina

(Retinal Detachment)

Definition

The retina is a light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye. It converts visual images into nerve impulses in the brain that allow us to see. When the retina is pulled or falls away from its position, it is called a detached retina.

Symptoms

Retinal detachment is painless. However, if it is not treated quickly, a detached retina can cause permanent, partial, or total vision loss. If you have any of these symptoms, contact an eye doctor right away:

Sudden appearance or increase in the number of floaters, which are shapes that float in the eye and are seen in the field of vision

Brief flashes of light in the eye

Loss of the eye’s central or peripheral field of vision

A curtain appears to fall over part of the visual field

Sudden changes or blurring of vision

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. An eye exam will be done with your eyes dilated. A special instrument called a slit-lamp will be used.

The eye can be examined with an ultrasound.

Treatment

Treatments may include:

Non-surgical Procedures

Cryotherapy or cryoretinopexy—A freezing probe is used to seal the retina back into its normal position.

Diathermy—Heat is used to seal the retina back into its normal position.

Laser retinopexy—A laser is used to make tiny burns around the area of detachment. This seals down the surrounding retina, often preventing further detachment.

Pneumatic retinopexy—A special type of gas bubble is injected into the eye. The gas bubble pushes the retina back into place.

All of these procedures are often combined with other procedures or surgeries.

Surgical Procedures

Vitrectomy—the surgical removal of vitreous
that is pulling on the retina and causing detachment

Scleral buckle—the surgical placement of a flexible band around the eye

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of retinal detachment:

Always wear protective eyewear or goggles when participating in:

Contact sports

Activities that involve flying objects

Any other potentially dangerous activity where the eye can get injured

Have regular eye exams at least once a year if you are at risk. Depending on your age and risk factors, you may need to see the eye doctor more often.

Contact an eye doctor immediately if you have:

An eye injury

Any symptoms of retinal detachment, such as flashing lights, floating objects, loss of part of your peripheral vision, or any other change in vision

RESOURCES

American Optometric Association
http://www.aoa.org

Eye Smart—American Academpy of Ophthalmology
http://www.eyesmart.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Ophthalmological Society
http://www.cos-sco.ca

Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

References

Retinal detachment: What is a torn or detached retina? American Academy of Ophthalmology's Eye Smart website. Available at:
http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/detached-torn-retina/index.cfm. Accessed June 27, 2013.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.